Aboutmeandmine

52 Blessings - week 1

2010-01-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

On Faithsisters.com there is a challenge for this year to document a blessing every week.
My first one for the year is about how blessed I am to have my job, to have been with the company for 10 years, and how good the company has been to me. And God made it all possible!

End of an old and start of a new Decade

2010-01-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

This New Year's weekend it was exactly 10 years since I moved to Johannesburg and started working for Nedbank. So I have been in a very reflective mood. It has been a good 10 years. To commemmorate the occasion, I did a scrap page.

Dreams are good things ...

2009-11-16T04:01:00.000-08:00

I have a good life. I have a God that loves me, and through His grace I have so much to be thankful for. I am healthy. I have the most adorable son in the world. I have a job I enjoy most of the time, my job is secure (in these economic times quite an important thing) and it pays me a decent salary. Because of this I am able to afford my dream home (I think God every day for this), and I drive a car that is reliable. It is not the most exiting life, but I really have nothing to complain about.

The problem with having a satisfying life is that sometimes one can be a bit greedy. I am very seldom greedy for more, but events and people this past weekend made me realise that there could be some changes in my life that would be really, really worth while. Realistically I know that these changes will only be dreams (well, in all honesty I actually know they will never come true), but that is the thing about dreams – dreams are good things. They make you smile in bad times in the hope that things will be better soon, and even in good times dreams can provide just that little escape from a world that sometimes can be a bit boring or monotonous.

I don’t do “What ifs” or “If only’s”, because I know I am in charge of my life. I also believe and know that God has a plan for my life that does not necessarily include my own wants. I like to think of myself as level headed and realistic with my feet planted firmly on the ground, and I am really not greedy. But I do so enjoy playing the dreaming game just every so often …. Because then I know that my life could be even better than it is now ….

2009-09-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of Sundays ago we sang a song in church that had me in tears almost immediately. The words are below.

As ek in die aand na die sterre kyk
Of die geure van die blomme ruik
As ek sien hoe al U berge ly
Dis wonderlik voorwaar
As die winde deur die bome suis
Of as donderweer U krag bewys
As ek in my voel hoe lewe bruis
Dis wonderlik voorwaar

As ek sien hoe U met mense werk
Met U liefde sonder maat of perk
As ek voel hoe U my lewe versterk
Dan weet ek U is meer as bloot
Maar net ‘n Heer wat
Ver daar bo in die wolke troon
U’s die Heer wat altyd in my woon
Daarom voel my hele lewe skoon
U’s wonderlik voorwaar

As die branders op die rotes breek
Of ‘n blom verkwik ons met sy reuk
Is U baie meer as net ’n preek
U’s wonderlik voorwaar
Daar is niks o Heer vir U te klein
Want U sorg ook vir ‘n blaartjie fyn
En U bloed maak menseharte rein
U’s wonderlik voorwaar

While this is a song of praise to our God that is so wonderful, and close and awesome and loving, I was sad because I hadn’t heard it in so many years, and it reminded me of a time when things were so much different than they are today.

When I was in school and university, I went on many Christian youth camps where we sang this song often. In those days things were so “easy”. All I had to worry about was doing well in school, passing exams at university, and enjoying life. I had no serious responsibilities. No job, no bond, no financial responsibilities, no parental responsibilities. Yet. 15, 20 years later things were rather different. I have a job that I have to keep because it pays a salary that pays bills. I am a mom and have the huge responsibility of raising a child. I live in a time where there is worldwide pressure on the economy.

And singing the song I was sad because I missed those simple times. But immediately I was reminded that I don’t have to worry to much. Because I have the love of a God that gives me strength to cope with any responsibilities and stresses. And even though things may be tough and uncertain sometimes, I can give it all to God to carry. And knowing that made me even more sad, but this time a happy sad. Life has responsibilities. Lots of them. Life has some really though days. Lots of them. But never ever do we have to cope with anything alone. Because God is there right next to us, and carries and supports us every time we need Him. Always.

I am so glad I went to church that day.

Leopard and kill

2009-08-13T22:49:00.001-07:00

The Highlight of the trip to the Kruger Park was the sighting of a Leopard with kill. Found out later it was a female. When we got the the tree, the traffic jam was something that Johannesburg can be jealous of! Everybody trying to see, and I still find it amazing that no cars were scratched. Can't say the same for tempers - some people got really agiteated, shouting and waving arms.

I did not let that spoil the moment - she was on the ground when we got there, and then with 2 graceful leaps she was in the tree, where she proceeded to start eating te impala. The sun was on the wrong side, but we could still see her clearly, and it was amazing. This was a moment of a lifetime.

Kruger Park continued

2009-08-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Kruger Park

2009-08-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Just some pics of our weekend at the Kruger Park. It was amazing, and I loved every minute!

Faith Sisters Birthday Bash

2009-08-02T22:45:00.000-07:00

Join the Fatith Sisters Birthday bash. It is an awesome community of girls from accross the globe who share their love of God through the fantastic hobby of scrapbooking.

http://www.faithsisters.com/birthdaybash.php

Today is a GOOD Day!

2009-07-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

I have been on this project for the last 10 months. It has faced many challenges, and the last few months especially has been rather straining. There were days where I wanted to give up, where I wanted to think I wasn't coping. But then I would stop myself, and remind myself of the following: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13). And then I would carry on. When I had to do tasks that were new to me, when I had to do 4 people's work, I reminded myself of that scripture.
Jer 29:11 also became a daily motto - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
A lot of the project deliverables were not entirely within my control, I had to rely on other people, and when I felt as if I couldn't, I relied on God.
Today we confirmed that everything we have done has been successful. Still a few things to be tested, but the main part is done. I have completed many projects successfully in the past, but none like this one. I am so relieved and emotional right now, because I am so blessed that the Lord has made this rather tough one a success. This one has been a defining moment in my career, and God has ensured it is a positive moment.
I am rather ecstatic!!

Weekend blurb, and Family!

2009-04-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! So much to do, and to few hours to do it in! Saturday was spent working in the garden, painting a fence, watching a crap F1 quali session, and going to a 2-in-1 family birthday party – Uncle turns 60 and cousin turns 21. It was ok, nice to see them again.

Richard phoned on Saturday, sounding rather upset – he got stung by a wasp. You need to know my son to understand what a big thing this was – he hates bees, and is terrified of being stung. Shame, I felt so sorry for him! But he is fine, luckily no allergic reactions.

On Sunday I was in the garden early – to finish what I started on Saturday, and plan some veggie seeds. Then I watched that crappy F1 race (I don’t want to talk about it!), and went to my SIL’s birthday lunch. I made a salad, and it was so great using lettuce from my own garden for the salad! Can’t wait till the next batch is ready!

Family – what can you say about them? You can’t choose who you want as your family. Not that mine is bad, in fact, my brothers are great, I love my mom, SIL is cool, and so is my brother’s girl friend. But yesterday I just couldn’t enjoy their company. I was feeling terrible and hope that had something to do with it. There were 6 of us, but the only time that the 6 of us sat together and talked, was when we had lunch. The rest of the time it was me and my brothers and my mom on one side of the room, and SIL and GIL (girl friend in law) in the kitchen or outside, but never with us. Why can’t they sit with us, even if they don’t want to talk to us? I am so tired of constantly having to split myself between 2 “groups”. I feel guilty if I talk with one and not the other. And it was no just yesterday, it is always like that – even last week when I invited all of them over to watch the cricket – the 2 girls on one side, the 2 boys on the other, me in the middle. It irritates me so much I can just scream! Family – there are moments when you may not like them, but you love them always!

Thursday - almost weekend

2009-04-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Still a bit stiff today. Had a sore arm and shoulder yesterday, and went to the physio - was really great but will go back again on Friday to see if we can fix it properly.

Yesterday my brother came over to assist me with a picket fence I want to put up in my garden. I thought it would be a five minute job, but it was just slightly more work than I anticipated! Also didn’t help that we had to re-do one or to things – but like I said to him: Luckily we are both blonde! I need to get a few more screws today, and then we will finish it tonight – can’t wait! Then I will at least have a small area in my garden that is “dog free” and I can plant some nice stuff, and expand my veggie garden.

I had lettuce from my garden last night – and not to be biased, but it was the best lettuce ever! If my shoulder is better by the weekend, I am going to be doing some serious gardening this weekend!

I still miss my son. He has been away for a week, and I will see him in just under 2 weeks. While I will admit I do enjoy the time I have to myself, I also do miss his company a lot.

I am still frustrated with my little G Rosea tarantula sling. It has been 4 months since it has eaten, and 7 months since the last molt – I am getting so frustrated! Every time I am in my room I peek into its container hoping to find it on its back, but nothing! Sigh … patience Is a virtue they say, and this little dude sure teaches me to have a lot!

Birthday

2009-03-31T01:28:00.000-07:00

It’s my dad’s birthday today. Or it would have been had he been alive. I can’t believe that it will be 4 years this year without him being with us. I miss him. A lot.

It is also 2 years today since my mom moved out of the house that she lived in for 20 years, 19 of those with my dad. It was a great house. It was big and spacious, and we all loved it at first sight all those years ago when my dad decided to buy it. Everywhere there were reminders of my dad –
the lawn that used to be paving
all the safety gates that he made
the pool that he fixed
the little sitting room that he had built and did so much himself
the closets in my room
the study
there were hours and hours of my dad’s sweat in that house

The people who bought it ruined it. They changed so much and turned it into a student commune. It was awful. They started with the changes while my mom was still there, and I could see how they were destroying the soul of the house. Then they went bankrupt, and the house was sold on auction recently – for just more than half of what my mom sold it for 2 years ago. Such a shame …

My dad would have been 65 today, still young. Gelukkige verjaarsdag Pappa!

Quiet monday afte a busy weekend

2009-03-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

I am at work and trying to get busy (don't let my boss hear!) I have no meetings, and have been catching up on admin. After this hectic weekend a quiet start to the week is just what I need!

But it was a rather pleasant weekend I must admit. Hair and shopping on Saturday before going to a birthday party. Yesterday I watched probably the worst F1 race of my life. That asshole won, and it upset me so much! But let's not dwell on that horros story anymore! Then some more shopping before going to a picnic and some bird watching. Saw some beautiful black eagles - they are truly magnificent!

Then home to wash the dogs, do some DIY - yes - I've had a spare bathroom with a broken toilet seat for 9 months, so I fixed it. I replaced 4 broken light bulbs and some working ones all with energy saving globes (yeah me for thinking of the environment!).

In the evening friends and my brothers and their respective girlfriends and wives came to watch the cricket. Nice visit and good cricket made it a very pleasurable end to a great weekend!